It's...fine.

I was disappointed when comparing this to Alexandria Bellefluer's previous book, "Written in the Stars." There was nothing special about this. Annie has a big career decision to make! She's afraid to love! Afraid to take a chance! Afraid to believe the perfect cinnamon roll boyfriend whose entire life now suddenly revolves around her! You know, just like the thousands of Hallmark heroines before her.

Also this book is written in a very tell-don't-show manner. Brendon really embarrassed himself at karaoke! Take our word for it. His wedding speech was fantastic! Take our word for it. Annie's exes were awful men! Take our word for it.

But it's fine. It's fine. It's a perfectly serviceable, standard, run-of-the-mill rom-com.

It's fine.

Requesting Hang the Moon on NetGalley was something I did a bit impulsively, which is rare for me. Usually I do some research before I request a book, not only because I want to like the book, but also because I know I have to review it, and I want to be sure that it's a book that I'm more likely to enjoy than not. Thankfully, even though I requested this book somewhat on a whim, I enjoyed it and I'm now here to tell you my detailed thoughts!

I had heard good things about Written in the Stars that had me curious about picking it up, and I heard that the follow up story was cute as well, which gave me the push to start this series. This particular book follows Brendon, creator of the dating app OTP, which is designed to help you meet the love of your life. Brendon is the brother of the main character from Written in the Stars, Darcy. And when Darcy's best friend, Annie, tries surprising Darcy with a visit, only to learn that Darcy is on a little vacation, that leaves it up to Brendon to show Annie around, and prove to her along the way that true love does in fact exist.

I thought Brendon was super sweet in Written in the Stars, so I was happy that he was getting his own happily ever after. He's nerdy, supportive, fun, and dorky and super loveable. Annie was also a great character, and I appreciated how her flaws were realistic and fleshed out. The two of them worked really well together, and I was happy to see their story progress. My favorite moments in this book were the different dates that Brendon took Annie on to prove to her that romance isn't dead. I didn't necessarily find them the most romantic, but they were a lot of fun to read about! In particular, I loved the game night with Margot, Darcy, and Elle, because spending time with those characters again was fantastic.

However, besides for finding the dates cute, I don't really have much to say about this book. For me this series sits solidly in the "It Was Good, But Not a Fave" category. I enjoyed my time reading the books, I would read the next book in the series, but I wouldn't prioritize them if I had other books I was more interested in.

This book was a solid 3.5 star read for me. It was a good book, and I'm glad I read it, but I don't think it will stick with me for too long. That being said, I'd still recommend it, and will probably read the next companion book when it comes out.

I really fell for Brendon in the first book in this series, Written in the Stars, so I was so glad to see he gets his own book. And it's with Annie! *gasp*

Another reviewer described this book as "sometimes no plot just vibes really works," and I hadn't really thought about it that way before but... yeah. The major conflict in this book is basically Annie going "it's complicated" and everyone else going "but is it actually, though?" And then there's Brendon, trying to bring the most iconic rom-com moments and tropes to life for Annie. Sadly for Brendon, life is NOT a movie and his attempts at recreating movie magic often go hilariously awry.

I really appreciated the conversation around love languages and communication in this book. Alexandria Bellefleur always seems to have something really insightful like this included in her books, and I just love it. Well researched and well demonstrated, yes!

This is the second book in the Written in the Stars series, and while it can be read as a stand alone you should really read the first book, Written in the Stars to get the full effect. There are some spoilers for the first book in this one.

This was so sweet and fun to read! I rooted for Annie to open up the entire time and fell more and more in love with her and Brendan with every page. So dang adorable!

Hang the Moon - 3 ⭐

Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the eARC. All opinions are my own. Review to come on bookstagram.

This sweet rom com picks up after Written in the Stars and focuses on Darcy's best friend Annie and Darcy's brother Brendon. This reconnection of a friendship between the two blossoms into something sweet, with just the right amount of steam. The time frame of this story primarily takes place in just over two weeks, but is totally believable since the two grew up together and shared memories and good times before losing touch in adulthood.

I really liked how involved Darcy and Elle were in this story, and we got to continue to see their relationship blossom. Interestingly, in Written in the Stars I loved Darcy's character and didn't love the first impression Elle made on me, with her snobby attitude and rudeness. In this book though, I loved Elle and found Darcy to be a bit selfish. She didn't prioritize her friendship with Annie, which happens to us all in life, but then had the nerve to be upset with Annie for moving further away from her... when Darcy is the one that moved across the country and away from Annie in the first place! Despite the fact that I think Darcy probably had good intentions on her persuasiveness to get Annie to move, it still rubbed me the wrong way.

I am super excited for Margot's story next year - she's such a fun character.

Soft and sweet and low angst, this is such a lovely read. Brendon is a big ole softy who just wants people to fall in love, even if he's never been. Annie is the best friend of Brendon's older sister who flew into town unannounced before she moves to London.

Brendon is just the softest. He plans around Annie's interests and is so open and honest about how he feels and what he wants. Annie has sworn off trying to find love because it always backfires. The two of them together are just lovely.

And it's a rom-com with actual funny bits! There's this scene on a ferris wheel which... well, it's great.

The friendship between Annie and Darcy is beautiful. There's love there and real pain when they're separated.

This is a big pillowy marshmallow of a book that I loved sinking into.

The only part I had trouble with was how easy finding parking seemed to be - that has not been my experience in Seattle. (I joke, I joke.)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a delightful book to read! Brendon was a side character in Written in the stars – the brother to the main character there. Brendon is basically a hopeless romantic, who believes in love, and is working to improve his dating app. And Annie is the best friend of the other main character, who thinks that true love is a farce and the everyone leaves, because that’s what she’s seen in her own life – all of the connections fading away as she business takes her all over the world. Brendon decides to convince her love is real by using rom com movie references while she’s in Seattle. I was sure this would be over the top, but it wasn’t! It just *just* the right amount, not too much at all.

What worked so well for me here is that Bellefleur manages to strike the right balance between these two personalities without making them seem too complete opposing forces. Annie has a ‘lonely girl’ air about her because she travels for work and that loneliness came through so well, she feels as if the second she leaves, everyone forgets her. I loved how Annie and Darcy are repairing their friendship (that neither really realized needed repairing) without taking away from the main focus of the romance with Brendon. Brendon and Annie separately come to the realization that they’d be happiest together…but Annie was only there for a pit stop before she moved.

I loved seeing the friend group and how they would all fit together if Annie lived there. The ending is super sweet and I just really enjoyed this book. Brendon and Annie got their very own rom com HEA.

Grade: A –

This was definitely not the book to read while I'm going through a reading slump. I don't read a lot of romance as it is unless they are of the paranormal or supernatural variety. But I do enjoy watching romcoms and I appreciate the nod to them in Hang the Moon. I also enjoyed the astrological aspect. To be honest, the main reason I wanted to pick up this book was that the author mentioned that the main character was bisexual and ends up in a different gender relationship. This year is serving up those and I couldn't be more ecstatic. So while Hang the Moon didn't hold my interest as much as I wished it had, I would like to pick it up again sometime. I highly recommend it to romance readers. And maybe anyone who has plans to visit Seattle.

***Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for the review copy.***

After absolutely adoring Written in the Stars, I knew I needed to get my hands on Hang the Moon! The script is flipped a bit here with Brendon being the romcom obsessed hopeless romantic and Annie is the romance skeptic. I loved all the romcom movie references! The book really celebrates the setting in Seattle as Brendon is wooing Annie to fall for him and the city. I loved catching up with Darcy, Elle, and Margot - the characters are so much fun! Fans of classic romcoms need to have this on their list!!

3.5 stars rounded up. This rom-com was super cute! Hang the Moon is a sweet sequel to Written in the Stars, which I read and enjoyed last year. When Annie flies across the country to surprise her best friend Darcy with a visit the last thing she is expecting is to be swept off her feet by Annie’s younger brother Brendon. Over the course of her two week visit Annie must reflect on what she really wants out of her life and decide whether she should stay or should she go.

I loved all of the nods to famous rom-coms of the past (who knew so many took place in Seattle?!). I also appreciated that we got a romance fanatic male lead who wooed our main character Annie without it becoming too over the top cheesy. I liked that the author didn’t make the whole falling in love with your best friends younger brother super weird or awkward - aside from maybe the morning after scene. The lack of awkwardness there was a little far fetched in my opinion, even if Darcy was rooting for Annie and Brendon to get together. And who doesn’t love the, “there was only one bed!” trope.

At times the story did feel a bit one-sided. We really got to know and understand Annie in this book, but aside from casual mentions of rock climbing and all of his work related duties we don’t really get to know much about Brendon, aside from his penchant for all things romance. The ending also fell a little flat for me. I get why it ended the way it did (no spoilers here), but it was all a little too hallmark for me.

Thanks again to NetGalley & Avon for the eARC!

His teeth sank into his bottom lip, a smile flirting at the edges of his mouth. On anyone else, that smile would’ve been dangerous. The sort of smile that got Annie to do ill-advised acts after a first date. But this wasn’t a date and this was Brendon, her best friend’s baby brother. He was harmless.

Brendon Lowell's childhood dream was to be Hugh Grant, he loves rom-coms and he loves matching people with their One True Pairing. So much so, he developed a dating app, OTP, to help people find their perfect person. While his app is helping, the new data shows that people are feeling disillusioned with apps and online dating, not believing in romance is possible anymore, hurting his bottom line and his heart.
Annie Kyriakos is one of those disillusioned people and just so happens to be Brendon's childhood crush. Annie has been friends with Brendon's sister Darcy since they were kids and she decides to make a surprise visit to Darcy in Seattle before she breaks the news that she accepted a promotion and job in London. Annie hasn't seen Brendon in eight years and is surprised and a little flustered at how well he grew-up.
Brendon and Annie are a little bit of opposites attract, a little bit of second-chance, a little bit friends-to-lovers, and a whole lot of romantic heat.

“And I’m going to change your mind. Romance isn’t dead, and I’m going to prove it.”
Laughter burst from between her lips. “You can try.”
His mouth twitched. “Do or do not, Annie.”

Alexandria Bellefleur's Written in the Stars, was my favorite contemporary last year and I was highly anticipating this one. We met Darcy's brother Brendon in the first of the series and had brief mentions of her bestfriend Annie, here they end up spending time together as Annie's surprise visit is badly timed as Darcy is on vacation and Brendon steps-up to show Annie around Seattle until Darcy is back. As with the first, Bellefleur highlights Seattle and gives us a setting that we can feel and appreciate, adding to the ambiance of the story. She also gives our leads friends and lets us sit in that friendship. Here, she also gives a look at how friendships evolve over time and how that can be a good thing and something makes us morn for what was. I admired how it was shown that Darcy getting caught up in her new romantic relationship made Annie feel a little sad for losing a part of her friendship with Darcy and how it was changing. This gave depth to Annie and added even more emotion to the story, creating a more filled out world. Brendon's friendship with Margot (friend of Darcy's significant other, Elle) also was an enjoyable additive.

A fun day with a funny, attractive guy. It didn’t change the fact that she wasn’t looking for love. Not with anyone; certainly not with her best friend’s baby brother who didn’t know her.

This story had a very sweet vibe (don't worry, there was a very hot sex scene) and was pretty low angst. There's a set-up of Brendon trying to recreate rom-com movie scenes to convince Annie that romance isn't dead. He thinks of Annie as a representative of the data he received saying people are disillusioned with online dating and romance. For the most part, though, he is just spending time with Annie and they are bonding, there was no feeling of him manufacturing moments. Annie has the issue of not wanting to start anything with Brendon because of her relocating to London and being burned for being the only one all-in in previous relationships. Brendon trying to show her, he's all-in and Annie scared to believe it, is the most angst you'll get here. I wouldn't call this cotton candy sweet though, more like a candy apple, it's sweet but there is substance underneath. The emotions and feelings will have you thinking about these relationships.

Because letting Brendon get to know her meant letting him in. It meant trusting him with a million little facts, all the haphazard pieces of herself, and hoping he’d remember them all.

The majority of this book takes place over two weeks but the quality of the interactions the author writes for her characters, gives them a solid connection that will have you believing in the decision Annie is struggling with. To further go along with and help with the low angst feel of this, I welcomed how Brendon just came right out, told and showed, Annie how he felt; miscommunication or not talking is not this couple's problem. There were a couple times that I felt like the writing style felt reminiscent of Judith McNaught's contemporaries, the descriptions of clothing, work, and general infusion of time period; just think less drama and more sweet. Whatever comparisons you want to make, this author and series needs to be on your read list. Brendon with his love and Annie with her vulnerability provides the sweet substance that fills hearts.

“He looks at you like you hung the moon.”

🌙
Do you ever listen to an audiobook and before you even finish it, you know you’ll need a print copy? Thank you @harperaudio for our gifted audiobook!

HANG THE MOON by @a.m.bellefleur is so swoony, romantic and fun. I am so love the many nods to famous rom coms and all the pop culture references.

I screamed when the author matched astrological signs with their fave rom com scene. Leos are the stadium serenade in 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU! Very accurate!

The narration for this one was top notch and such a great listen! I laughed, blushed and fell in love with these characters!

I'm in love with this book! Brendon and Annie just continued to make my day better with each chapter I read. If you're looking for a soft, adorable, happy book, this one is it, my friends. Alexandria Bellefleur just creates beautiful stories with incredible characters you just want to meet.

Hang the Moon is about Annie and Brendon, two people who have known each other for years, since children practically because Annie's best friend is Brendon's sister. She's back in Seattle to see Darcy but Darcy is going on vacation with her girlfriend so now Annie is all alone... except Darcy asks her brother Brendon to keep Annie company until she gets back.

Brendon works at a dating app that makes happily ever afters happen. He is all about romance and the first time you meet him, he's crying over watching public proposals on Youtube (same, Brendon, same!). When he reunites with Annie and finds out she doesn't really believe in the forever romance, he takes matter into his own hands to show her to it is real! He's going to show her romance is alive through his favorite rom-com movies and reenacting scenes from them.

I related so much to Annie, because same, I give so much love and get nothing in returned most of the time. So you get tired and don't really expect the best when it comes to relationships. Annie is like that, she has always texted more, been there more, and her partners don't really give as much as she gives. You just want to know someone is thinking about you, a good morning text or maybe someone remembered you and got you something you like! Like your favorite snack, it doesn't have to be something big. But you know, someone is thinking and listening to you when you talk.

Brendon and Annie's romance is amazing and I love the development of it. It's sort of slow-burn because it does take Annie a bit to go after her heart instead of listening to her head lol. Brendon was all in since the very first time which I love. But they do kiss really early on and then are like "this won't happen again" but *whistles inocently* lmao I really, really love them.

Also I would categorize this as a romcom tbh? It's hilarious and I laughed so MUCH while reading it. There are some funny scenes that you won't be able to stop reading. Bellefleur will give you everything and your attention will be captured pretty early on.

Oh my heart, I have enjoyed this series immensely. Written in the Stars is still my favorite so far, but I just knew it was only a matter of time before Brendon stole my heart.

The ultimate romantic and pulls out all the stops to show Annie that love is worth it all. From a crush when they were kids and several years passed by, sparks are instant between the two. But with Annie only stopping for a visit, a lot could happen, but is it enough to possibly make her stay... permanently?

Brendon totally wears his heart on his sleeve and I wasn't sure I would have been able to handle if his heart got broken. There were definitely some pieces that chipped away, which definitely brought some tears....

Annie just faces a lot of uncertainty and visiting Seattle was probably the best thing that could have happened to her. Reconnecting with her best friend, Darcy and possibly starting something more with Brendon. There's definitely more pros than cons to convince her to stay.

Hang the Moon is another heartwarming read that's the perfect addition to this series. I've quickly become a fan of Bellefleur and I can't wait FOR Margot's story!

Easiest 5 stars I've given to a book all year! This was delightful, thoughtful, romantic, real, hot, and just an amazing read! Annie and Brendon made so much sense together, and the way they decided to share themselves with each other and have genuinely happy times together was such a pleasure to read. They just fit so well, and it was so nice to get to know both of them better! Plus their intimate moments were sizzling with chemistry, good lord. I have absolutely nothing bad to say about this book. And I didn't know that Annie is bi, so that was a great surprise! Please please please read this book (and it's prequel "Written in the Stars") immediately! You will also be obsessed with these cinnamon roll characters!

Brendon Lowell believes in soulmates. It’s why he created his successful dating app to help people find the one. Too bad he hasn’t found his match. After countless dates, he keeps waiting for his perfect match. Then when his childhood crush and the best friend of his sister arrives in town, Brendon is smitten. The only problem? Annie is skeptical that she’ll ever find love. Annie’s feeling a bit like love, friendship, and a good home are out of her reach. Traveling nonstop for her job, its impossible for Annie to keep a house plant alive, let alone a relationship. Can Brendon sweep her off her feet and convince her that a home is possible?

It was lovely to revisit the world Bellefleur built in Written in the Stars, and to see characters once again. Although not as unique or overtly LGBTQ as its predecessor, this story felt comforting and familiar, and brought in some wonderful reminders that not everyone speaks the same love language.

I loved <i>Written in the Stars</i>, so I was so excited to get my hands on this eARC from Avon and Netgalley!

Brendon and Annie's love story is captivating from the start — they fall for each other quickly, but there's so much history in their relationship (particularly on Brendon's side) that it doesn't feel unbelievable to me. Brendon is a truly wonderful MC, and I couldn't help but swoon as he set out to woo Annie by recreating iconic moments from his favorite rom-coms. My only issue with this book was that <spoiler> I didn't find it believable AT ALL that Annie actually wanted to go to London, so the conflict toward the end of the book felt forced to me. She clearly wanted to be in Seattle! Why were we even pretending that London was still on the table for her? </spoiler> But overall I really enjoyed this, and I loved how much Darcy/Elle we got to see in this one, too.

Highly recommended for fans of <i>Written in the Stars</i>, lovers of iconic rom-com films, fans of the "there's-only-one-bed" trope (yes it DOES make an appearance), and anyone looking for a charming #ownvoices queer rom-com! I can't wait to read Margot's story next year!

Story: 5 ⭐️
Steam: 3 🔥


Omg it was so good y’all 😭 I loved the first book and was very much looking forward to Annie and Brendon’s story. This did not disappoint! I laughed, I cried, I swooned. The perfect mix of angsty and romcom. I already want to reread it. I felt so connected to Annie and what she was going through. She is probably one of my favorite heroines. Brendon is such a ball of love. He is the perfect book boyfriend and I just want to snuggle him 🥰


I am so genuinely stoked for the next book. I’m obsessed with Margot and need her story NOW.

Please don’t hate me!!! I just…I don’t know. I like that this is a queer m/f romance and I love that people love this series, but this just isn’t my usual fare at all.

This is a little TOO tooth achingly sweet and makes me want to cringe away from the whole thing. Which is to say, this feels like a romcom from the start? That’s probably a good thing for readers who want to read romcoms but that’s just not MY thing since I stray closer to angsty reads or dark romance type books. I think Annie is interesting and I could like her a lot. Brendon? He’s too much for me and all his talk about love at first sight and all that. For someone who loves romance books, I guess this starry eyed attitude towards romance in a character makes me want to run for the hills.

I guess I just got caught up in the hype, but I’m afraid this book just isn’t for me and I don’t want to feel like I’m hate reading it if I try to read anymore. So, I’ll stop now.

DNF @ 12%.

***Thanks so much to the publisher for giving me an ARC for review!***

"'I doubt you have anything to worry about, because that guy?' The woman leaned in, whispering. 'He looks at you like you hung the moon.'"

happy pub day to Alexandria Bellefleur, Brendon, Annie, and HANG THE MOON! this wonderful book is out today and you all need to get your hands on it. it was one of the sweetest stories I've read this year and if you're a huge romantic like me (and Brendon!), you're going to love this story.

it’s no secret that I love love. so imagine my delight when I read that this story focuses on Brendon, who sets out to prove to his childhood crush, Annie, that romance isn't dead by recreating scenes from his favorite movies. (did you catch that? it was me swooning on the other side of your screen). as Brendon takes Annie out for their romcom dates, you can't help but cheer him on as he puts his heart on the line for the girl he couldn’t forget.

I loved Brendon and Annie so much, y'all. if you're looking for some relatable characters, you'll find them here. their banter was top-notch, I loved tagging along on their dates, and I wish I was part of their friend group. also, I am pretty much in love with Brendon now, so Annie will just have to deal with it.

I loved the fresh take on the older-sibling's-best-friend trope (Annie is Brendon's sister, Darcy's, best friend) and there's even a little there's-only-one-bed situation mixed in. if you read the first book in the series (WRITTEN IN THE STARS), you'll be happy to hear that we get to hang out with Darcy, Elle, and Margot again.

I especially loved Annie's character development as she makes some big life decisions in the book. her relationship with Brendon was one thing, but her future and career was another that she really had to step back and evaluate. I'm going through something very similar right now, so I could totally relate. she ended up doing what was best for her--on both fronts!--and it's safe to say that I was a fan of how the story ended. (cue confetti!)

order this book from an indie, request it from your library, get the audiobook...you won't regret it! a huge thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for a digital arc!